Asiago (here against HC Bozen) may continue to play in the ICE in the future. © Serena Fantini / Asiago Hockey

Asiago's ICE future: Plan B is now in effect

A possible expulsion of Asiago from the ICE Hockey League has been looming for months. Now, however, the traditional club looks set to escape the situation with a backup plan.

March 13, 2025

From: dl/fop

"Hockey Club Asiago" will take over "Asiago Hockey 1935," which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The old club repeatedly made headlines in the ICE Hockey League due to off-ice irregularities. Therefore, the league's Legal Commission has long since initiated proceedings.

The completely new board, led by Mario Lievore, has now apparently presented a serious, ambitious plan. Lievore is no stranger to the sport. The entrepreneur was already in charge of the Stellati in the 80s and 90s and subsequently held several positions at the Italian ice hockey association FISG. On Thursday, the Asiago delegates, the old and new club leadership, traveled to Austria to campaign for the club's continued membership in the league.

Decision in April

The clubs spoke out against the participation of the "old" Asiago on Thursday, but at the same time, a hand was extended to the Italians. A request from the new club management was accepted. This will now be reviewed in the coming weeks, with a decision expected in mid- to late April. The chances are good that Asiago will remain an ICE location for the fourth consecutive year.

Ferencváros Budapest's position is significantly worse. The Hungarians have also applied for membership in the ICE; further assessments are now needed to clarify whether the financial and infrastructural conditions for joining are in place or whether it is merely a loose interest.